DUAL-Wave Therapy

A power tool redesign project.

Project Duration: 15 Weeks | Spring 2026

Objective: Improve an existing power tool.

Intent: A device that combines both focus and radial therapy into one tool, improving comfort, usability, and purpose.

Shockwave Therapy

Transmits high energy acoustic waves into the body, using gel as a penetration point through the skin.

Provides efficient energy delivery, stimulating tissue repair and blood flow in the process.

Focus

Shockwaves travel: inwards.

Penetration: deeper.

Purpose: specific pain points.

Assess & locate the painful spot or injury.

Apply gel on the skin where treatment is taking place.

Understand the Importance.

A professional helping an athlete should have access to a tool that is multi-purpose, ergonomic, and health beneficial.

Athletes are always moving and staying active, so getting injured extremely hinders their ability to perform.

It is crucial that they are able to heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.

“The Shockwave tool should not only help the athletes, but also provide little to no stress on the professional who consistently uses it.”

Olivia Scherner is a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati studying Exercise Science. She works at Mason High School as an Athletic Trainer for the women’s soccer team.

Radial

Shockwaves travel: outwards.

Penetration: shallower.

Purpose: broader painful areas.

All leading brands currently have them Separated into two tools.

Huge Market Gap.

No tool exists that can do both Focus Therapy & Radial Therapy.

Attach the correct treatment head to the tool.

Start the tool to begin emmiting waves into the body.

Design Solution & Planning.

Combine Focus & Radial Therapy into one tool.

Interview Findings

There is a huge difference between Focus & Radial Therapy.

How exactly does a standard radial Shockwave therapy Gun work?

Set shockwave down on the table.

  • Create separate modules for the different internals that can be removed and switched out.

  • Improve grips and handles of the tool.

  • Move the cord to a different location that is less central.

  • Relocate button placement to fit the hand.

Move the tool slowly over the injured area for 5-15 minutes.

Set the correct parameters for the energy level.

Allow the patient to rest for 48 hours after receiving treatment.

Going back to the drawing board.

Explored battery pack locations, wiring, module construction, head attachment points, lighting, button flaws, and grip strength.

Ideation

Early form consideration. Numerous handle possibilities, head shapes, grip placements, and cord attachment locations.

Initial Cad

Exploratory

Foam Model Testing

Focused Module

Contains an electromagnetic coil stack that forms electrical energy, generating acoustic waves.

Design Pivot

Figuring out how to combine two entirely different internal systems was difficult.

This new concept allows for the internals to be switched out within two separate modules.

The modules connect to the same body housing the overall shared internals.

Focus & Radial therapy in one tool.

3-Dimensional form consideration. Focusing on the overall structure, hand placements, and functional aspects within each model.

Internal ANalysis.

Broke down a home-owned Radial Shockwave Therapy gun to understand internal components and connection points.

Key features include:

Touch screen, silicone grip, pull-out attachment, seamless slot attachment, cylindrical handle, D-grip handle, top view controls, twist-head attachment, grip indents, and gel heads.

A closer look.

cad phase II

Explored 3 different directions.

Consideration of module lock mechanisms, touch screen locations, handle surfacing, and hand placements.

Detailing & Surfacing

Focus and Radial shockwave therapy in one tool.

Selected direction and took off.

Progression of structure moves left to right. Refined handle, extra hand slots, connection points, module lock, screen, and button access.

Silicone Rubber

Soft Shiny Plastic

Test Models

Internal Modeling

Radial Module

Contains an internal tube with a projectile bullet that accelerates into the metal applicator, producing pressure waves.

Functional Additions

Refined and perfected the product.

Improved existing features and added brand new ones as well. The two modules can now lock into place and detach with ease. Also included ventilation ports, silicone grips, and controls.

CMF Exploration

Choosing color, material, and finish for the product.

Included silicone rubber heads for comfort and ease of attachment. Gray silicone rubber grips added to strengthen grip support and comfort for the professional. A soft shiny plastic for the main body, housing all the internals with strength while preventing the tool from becoming too heavy for users.

Silicone Rubber

Section Analysis

Focused Module

Generated acoustic waves are concentrated at a specific focal point and travel through the tissue to reach the deeper, more specific pain points.

Radial Module

Produced pressure waves travel into the body through an outward motion, spreading into the tissue and covering a broader painful area.

Transparent View

A closer look at the internals when the product is fully assembled and ready for the radial or focused module to be attached by the medical professional.

Bayonet lock mechanism. Modules attach securely into the main body with ease and efficiency.

RADIAL THERAPY

Control panel. Contains a quick-stop button for safety, frequency display, and energy level display.

Dual-Wave Therapy

FOCUS THERAPY